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Explore The History of Norwalk Neighborhoods

industrial center of South Norwalk

By Jackie Lightfield

Norwalk is a city of hundreds of neighborhoods, each benefiting from a style and vibe that meshes the here and now and the distant past. Which makes sense considering Norwalk’s colonial roots start around 360 years ago. Norwalk also has the distinct history of having survived some old fashioned fire and water based devastation, as well as once thriving as three separate towns. All this leads to an interesting perspective in looking at how much of Norwalk’s history can be seen in the architectural styles that mark the decades of bygone eras.

Our trip in the wayback machine begins, as the origins story goes, when Roger Ludlow, colonial dude, struck a deal involving some beads and stuff with the Norwacke Indians, and the first credit swap derivative real estate deal was done. Real colonial-era buildings are few and far between in Norwalk for a very good reason, they were made of wood.

Not long after Paul Revere’s famous ride announcing the British were coming Connecticut experienced that the British were burning. Norwalk’s fickle finger of fate was the almost complete wipeout of the town — about 8 buildings survived the 1779 burning. But there’s a nice collection of what that colonial-era might have looked like, at Mill Hill at the corner of East Ave and Wall Street.

Heading down from Mill Hill along Wall Street, the colonial era gives way to the downtown melting pot of the 19th and 20th-century style brick buildings and postwar urban renewal buildings. It’s an interesting mix partly created after the great fire of 1858, which took out a bunch of wood buildings, and the great flood of 1955. Anchoring the far end of Wall Street is the Carnegie financed Norwalk Library, and along the way you can admire the stalwart brick buildings mingling 1950s retail shop fronts and the incredible hulking banks, some even still banking.

A city with hundreds of neighborhoods of course just doesn’t have one downtown, in Norwalk’s case it has two. SoNo, a short jaunt down West Ave. is a nationally recognized historic district. SoNo is also home to some of the more eclectic architecture in Norwalk, beyond the world cuisine restaurants and bars, tucked away in the 18th-century brick-clad buildings that line Washington street.

Whether it’s the stately Lockwood Mathews Mansion displaying all sorts of architectural styles, favored by the rich back in the day, or the sprawling Victorians lining the roads up to Golden Hill, the South Norwalk area sweeps through decades of history. Post war apartment housing, beachside tiny cape codders, and the proliferation of the basic Brady Bunch ranch.

Norwalk’s industrial past can be seen in the factory buildings that are on Ann, Water, Washington, Haviland, and Meadow streets. Clusters of water view-inspired neighborhoods each represent a unique neighborhood style whether it’s the graceful yet commanding homes in Shorefront Park, or the tightly packed archipelago of Harbor View or Belle Island.

Completely off the beaten path, and not far from Harbor View, Village Creek just recently earned its historic designation for its collection of mid-century modern houses, flat roofed–big glass views of nature dominate. Not historic, but equally distinct Wilson Point collects large regal-looking houses along the Long Island Sound. A ride along route 136 earns you a view of Norwalk’s Industrial past former factories that hide the shoreline as well as conclaves of homes. A newly refurbished yellow brick former technical college speaks to the area’s industrial power. Route 136 will lead you to the five-mile river and the quaint maritime community of Rowayton with its mix of dockside buildings and fishing village charm.

Heading North, the range of neighborhoods includes the sinking 1980s era development in former marshland, and more mid century modern gems tucked away in West Norwalk’s wooded and river runs through it lots. Silvermine evokes a bygone era of an artist colony and not much in the way of silver mining. Across the river lies the north country areas like Cranbury where the Gallaher estate, now Cranbury Park, speaks to the era of farmland estates that once were peaceful retreats for industrialist chieftains.

East Norwalk, bordering Westport and south of route 1, is the third city that joined to form the city of Norwalk. Its legacy lies in its manufacturing past, with three former factories surrounded by the worker housing built to house workers. Skirting the harbor are the old sidewalk and tree-lined neighborhoods that spark that nostalgic suburban 1950s feel. But closer to the beach, the houses grow larger and more stately as commanding views of Norwalk’s harbor, islands, and the Long Island Sound were the original draw.

Overall Norwalk presents every style of living, architecturally of course. Considering that Norwalk is the same size as Manhattan, the diverse neighborhoods are sure to stick around for decades to come.

Broad River

Neighboring Silvermine, the Broad River neighborhood is sandwiched between Route 7 and Rte 123. Primarily single family residential, it is conveniently located near shopping corridors.

Brookside

The central part of Norwalk boasts the site of the last working farm in Norwalk. Fodor Farm now offers residents a community garden, a tree farm, and two lovely restored buildings, one that serves as a rentable venue for meetings and events. 

Cranbury

Once home to the White Barn Theater and the Gallaher estate, the former is part nature preserve under the stewardship of the Norwalk Land Trust, and the Gallaher estate is now a city park that operates the Gallaher Mansion as a rental, a park and the Carriage House Theater company.

East Norwalk (The Numbers)

East Norwalk spreads to the coast along the eastern shore of the Norwalk Harbor. It’s northern boundary is I-95 and it is home to Calf Pasture Beach, Taylor Farm Park, and Veterans’ Park. This is Norwalk’s coastal community living.

East Norwalk & Shore Haven

East Norwalk spreads to the coast along the eastern shore of the Norwalk Harbor. It’s northern boundary is I-95 and it is home to Calf Pasture Beach, Taylor Farm Park, and Veterans’ Park. This is Norwalk’s coastal community living.

Golden Hill

Large Victorian houses dominate the shady streets that are the highest point in South Norwalk. The aptly named, Observatory Rd offers a seasonal vista to look out to the water. The Franklin school is home to several nonprofits since it was converted to a non-educational use. 

Hospital Hill

From its single building beginings, the growing cluster of buildings that make up Norwalk Hospital have influenced the densely packed apartments that offer walkable commutes to the Norwalk’s largest employer. 

Marvin Beach

This peninsula is the sunset coast of Norwalk. Waterviews and boating from private docks along the Norwalk harbor or Charles Creek, offer the main attraction in this neighborhood. The only elementary school in Connecticut that is walking distance to a beach is tucked behind Taylor Farm Park.

Norwalk Center

Norwalk Center encompasses the historic downtown of the original Norwalk, (not to be confused with the downtown of South Norwalk) and stretches along the upper harbor. I-95 marks the southern boundary of this district that included the central, Mathews Park, the Norwalk Green, and City Hall.

Oak Hills

The area surrounding the Oak Hills Golf Course includes forested areas where farms once dominated. Fox Run School anchors one end of the neighborhood which reaches to Connecticut Avenue and east towards Rte 123.

Rowayton

If NYC was San Francisco, then Rowayton would be Sausalito. Except for the weather part. This tight knit community has retained its village lifestyle and fondness for sailing. Coastal New England living within communing distance to NYC, and with its own train station no less. This peninsula is one of the best neighborhoods in Connecticut for a country lifestyle with water views.

Shorefront Park

Morning sun is the waterfront view of the Norwalk Harbor neighborhood that winds up from the waterfront to straddle a cliff and the advantages of waterviews without flooding. 

Silvermine

Yes, Norwalk has hills, and the Silvermine neighborhood which actually straddles parts of New Cannaan and Wilton represents the windy old country roads lined with trees. Gray Barns occupies the site of the former Silvermine Tavern, and there are a few golf courses, but this is largely a residential area.

SoNo

SoNo is the more recognized part of Norwalk owing to its train station, Washington Street nightlife, the Maritime Aquairum, and the new SoNo Collection Mall. But wait there’s more, because SoNo has it all.

South Norwalk

While SoNo has a catchy name, it is actually a neighborhood within the larger South Norwalk, which prior to 1913 was its won town.  South Norwalk stretches along the coast until it turns into Rowayton, itself its own town. Elegant Victorians in Golden Hill, and home to Flax hill Park, Village Creek, Wilson’s Point, and Harborview— the neighborhoods of South Norwalk feature water views and coastal living.

Spring Hill

Spring Hill is the area between the Norwalk Hospital and New Canaan Ave. It is largely multi-family residential, but within its borders are single family streets that retain an old Connecticut suburban feel. 

Strawberry Hill

Once, like its name implies, this was farmland. The acreage was subdivided to from suburban cut de sacs and a school zone that features Norwalk High, Nathan Hale Middle School, and Naramake Elementary School. Heading east it borders Westport, and offers an alternative route to get to Westport along scenic roads.

Village Creek

This peninsula is an exclusive area of modern homes with stunning views. The salt marsh that surrounds it is home to birds and wildlife. The community has a private beach and tennis courts.

West Norwalk

Bordering Darien, this is largely a residential area, but also home to the retail row of national big box stores like Costco.

West Rocks

Bordering Darien, this is largely a residential area, but also home to the retail row of national big box stores like Costco.

Wilson Point

Bordering Darien, this is largely a residential area, but also home to the retail row of national big box stores like Costco.

Wolfpit

Bordering Darien, this is largely a residential area, but also home to the retail row of national big box stores like Costco.

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